David Reynoso

Owner of Taquería María

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David Reynoso grew up in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico and moved to Napa from East Los Angeles in 2009. Later that year, he opened Taquería María, named after the Virgin Mary and also his mother Maria. Having grown up in Mexico, he found life as an immigrant proved to be very challenging, especially having to learn English and adapt to a completely new culture.

Although starting his own business had always been a dream of Reynoso’s, part of his inspiration stemmed from his cousin Jose, who also ran his own business. “He pushed me to open my own restaurant,” Reynoso explains, something for which all lovers of Mexican food in Napa should be thankful. Although the restaurant opened up only a year after the economic recession, a time when most small businesses were barely hanging on and others were closing, Reynoso and his brothers Jesus and Eduardo decided to take over the building that used to be the El Potrillo restaurant.

That said, running the restaurant has been no easy job. “I work too much,” Reynoso admits. “I have a lot of dedication to my business and sometimes I do not have time to see my friends.” Despite the enormous commitment he has made to the restaurant, for Reynoso, it is well worth the satisfaction he receives from running a successful business, and of course, when people let him know how much they enjoy his food. Reynoso also thanks his friends and his customers who have continued to give him their business. In addition to serving up delicious traditional Mexican cuisine at the restaurant, Taquería María has expanded to catering for parties and special events.

Reynoso is excited for his friends and family to see the exhibition, so they will know it is possible for Latinos and those from immigrant backgrounds to be successful business owners.